Local crews contain nine wildfires Monday

Nine lightning fires Monday serve as a reminder fire season is here.

Blue Mountain Eagle

Published on June 27, 2017 12:01PM

Nine lightning fires Monday serve as a reminder fire season is here.

After a severe thunderstorm passed over the area on Monday afternoon, Malheur National Forest fire crews responded to seven confirmed lightning-start fires on the forest, according to a Forest Service press release. Quick response and initial attack efforts allowed crews to contain all of the fires at about 1/10 of an acre. Crews will continue to staff the incidents and continue with mop-up efforts, as well as respond to new reports of smoke.

Crews continue to staff and monitor three prescribed fires on the forest. No further ignitions will take place on the prescribed fires, and all active burning is taking place well within the established perimeters.

Oregon Department of Forestry crews, also dispatched out of the John Day Interagency Dispatch Center, responded to several reports as well. ODF crews staffed and contained two fires on state protected lands.